Four eliminations, a little open mouth kissing, a little fake kissing, and many shameless yet clever plugs for Step Up Revolution. Things are afoot. Oh, yeah, and also a ton of male makeup! Mini-cupcakes are in the house and it’s time to write this baby up! Much to discuss.

Four eliminations. That’s 20% of our group! More on that later. But real quick, let me just say that I thought the looming eliminations added a slight yet palpable layer of tension and anxiety to the whole affair tonight. This was the first time we’ve gotten to see how the new format would play out. I don’t know about anyone else, but I feel a certain relief now that the new machine is finally underway. The seal has been broken. But, like I said, more on that in a bit.

First, the opening group piece: a spooky, scary NappyTabs to-do with face paint, feathers, and headpieces galore. Loved it. This is the NappyTabs I want to see! Don’t give me that alcoholism NappyTabs, give me this kind! It was nearly impossible to pick out the dancers onstage but as a cohesive whole I thought it rocked.

The micro-solos were done in pairs and it was cute to see the couples together. Also, I was pleased to see Janaya rocking yet another darling dance jumpsuit (but then I immediately felt a pang of sadness knowing it would surely be her last jumpsuit on this show.).

National Dance Day. Ugh. How I want to run for the hills whenever Nigel starts up with his Dance Day updates. It’s not that I’m opposed to the idea, I think it’s great. It’s just that Nigel’s updates always manage to come across like filler material combined with SYTYCD self-aggrandizement. But good to know there will be dance-themed postal stamps. I think the U.S.P.S. is one of the best things on the planet and I’m not even kidding.

Cole and Lindsay started the night off with a Christopher Scott routine to Lady Gaga’s “Teeth,” about a visit to a dentist who is “not your average dentist.” For one thing this dentist wears Keds. Also, no pants. It felt a little silly and random as a piece, but it was a high-energy, pop-y way to start off the show. Cole staying in character throughout the judges’ feedback was positively tragic. I loved when Adam was like “Cole, you’re totally freaking me out.” Right? The judges thought Lindsay should have dialed up the sexiness more.